The placenta is the ONLY organ that the human body creates for a specific purpose...and then naturally discards when that purpose is fulfilled! The placenta produces the hormones necessary for a viable pregnancy.
The placenta provides the fetus with all of the oxygen & nutrients needed to sustain life; and carries waste out through the umbilical cord into the mother’s bloodstream. It also acts as a protective filter against most bacteria; and passes on the mother’s antibodies to protect the baby for months after birth! This organ, typically thought of as “waste”…or not even thought of at all, is complex and amazing and can provide the mother with natural and effective treatment against postpartum symptoms.
During pregnancy the placenta takes over the production and regulation of many hormones, and with the sudden loss of the placenta after giving birth, your body is left in a state of depletion until it can naturally begin to produce those hormones again. By ingesting your placenta you are feeding those hormones and nutrients back into your system in small doses; helping bridge the gap between what the placenta was providing during pregnancy and what the body will produce once again, about 6-8 weeks postpartum. Ingesting your placenta can help replenish lost iron, prevent postpartum depression, promote early and healthy milk supply, facilitate healing and provide natural pain relief!
In nature, all mammals consume the placenta of their young, and in many Cultures around the world there is some type of tradition or ritual involving the mother’s Placenta. Tree Of Life is dedicated to normalizing the placenta and bringing awareness of it's healing benefits to the communities of central Texas, including Bastrop, Austin, and surrounding areas. Schedule a FREE Consult to see if we travel to your location!
The placenta contains bio-available compounds such as minerals, trace elements, vitamins, stem cells, serotonin, iron, selenium, vitamin B6, and much more...
Below is a list of the hormones, vitamins, minerals, and bioavailable compounds produced by the Placenta - and how they help during Pregnancy and how they can help you have a better Postpartum recovery:
Highly concentrated in the placenta and acts as a natural pain reliever by blocking pain receptors in the brain
A type of endorphin found in the placenta and amniotic fluid that is released into the body at onset of labor. It provides pain relief, aids in mental clarity, and when pharmaceutical pain medications are needed, can work with them to provide better pain relief so that less medication is needed Helps decrease postpartum pain and allow the Mother to rest and focus on her Baby.
Psychoactive chemicals more powerful than morphine in their pharmacological effects with NO risk of mental fog like with prescription opioids, and counteracts stress
The sudden drop in estrogen after childbirth can contribute to Postpartum Depression. Estrogen sooths and supports kidney function, has anti-inflammatory properties, stimulates healing, increases mental clarity and promotes emotional balance
Often called the "pregnancy hormone" because it regulates the menstrual cycle, prepares the uterus for implantation, and maintains the pregnancy! Low levels can result in lack of ovulation, miscarriage, and preterm labor. Prepares the mammary glands for milk production. At the end of pregnancy the levels naturally drop to initiate labor. Progesterone reduces anxiety, boosts energy, improves mental clarity and cognitive function, and regulates immune system
Contributes to mammary gland development in preparation for lactation; stabilizes postpartum mood; encourages post-birth uterine cramping.
Known as the "milk hormone" because it promotes lactation, increases milk supply, and enhances the mothering instinct.
This hormone stimulates the production of prolactin. It has lactogenic and growth-promoting properties which promotes mammary gland growth in preparation for lactation. It also regulates maternal glucose, protein, and fat levels. During pregnancy it modifies the Mother's metabolic rate to provide energy to the fetus and breaks down fat from the Mother to provide fuel for the Baby. Too much hPL during pregnancy can lead to gestational diabetes.
Known as the "love hormone" it decreases pain and increases bonding in mother and infant! It is found in the placenta, umbilical cord, and amniotic sac and most concentrated in the sac and cord. It is the primary "birth" hormone and stimulates contractions to birth the baby and placenta. It reduces stress by preventing the production of stress hormones, such as Cortisol, greatly reduces postpartum bleeding, and enhances the breastfeeding let-down reflex.
Antioxidant properties protect cells from free radical damage, aids the thyroid in hormone production and balance, aids in uterine recovery, and reduces risk of postpartum depression
Regulates sleep patterns, balances mood, aids in stabilizing weight, and contributes to clear cognitive function. There is a strong correlation between low serotonin levels and depression.
Makes hemoglobin, which helps prevent anemia and regulates hormones. Improves mental clarity, helps prevent depression, supports the immune system, and aids in wound healing
Regulates the thyroid gland; anti-depressant properties
Regulates the metabolism, plays a big role in thyroid health, supports brain development and digestion, increases bone health, and improves heart function
Helps the body physically and mentally handle high levels of stress and believed to be a factor in the onset of labor. At the time of delivery, the placenta contains 3 times the normal levels of CRH! A 2004 study concluded, since the placenta contains large amounts of orally-active CRH, that ingesting the placenta will stabilize depleted CRH levels in the new Mom, resulting in "a more stable emotional life for the Mother". Studies from the National Institute of Health have found that consuming the placenta stimulates and stabilizes CRH levels.
Reduces inflammation and swelling; promotes healing
Triggers the protective defenses of the immune system to fight infection
Found in nearly every tissue of the body! It actually plays a more significant role in labor than Oxytocin! It reduces uterine bleeding at the placental attachment site, reduces inflammation, promotes uterine contractions that help the uterus return to it's pre-pregnancy size, and assists in wound healing, cell regeneration and growth.
Found in every tissue of the body! Fights free radical cell damage, aids in hormone balance, increases energy, supports the immune system, has anti-inflammatory properties, and aids in wound healing and muscle growth and repair
Replenishes maternal iron stores to combat postpartum anemia…which in turn increases energy and decreases fatigue and potential for depression!
Assists the body in iron absorption, provides thyroid support, strengthens immune system, anti-inflammatory properties
Oxygen-carrying molecule which provides a boost in energy
Stops bleeding and enhances wound healing
Antibody molecules which support the immune system
Tree of Life Placenta Encapsulation provides outstanding placenta services to Central Texas!